Something I think is incredibly rare...

[lunchboxsean]

So, I have just picked up a... Kirby Commercial. It looks like a Heritage, but the power head is non removable and there is a hole cut in the front of it to access the belt. The bagger is enormous and uses a clamp to hold the top shut instead of a zipper or an emptor like others of the time would. There is a foot activated handle release and the power switch is a rocker switch on this weird little pedistal up at the top of the handle. On top of all this, it's not polished aluminum, it's painted with what can only assume is a very tough gray enamel. This is one of the strangest Kirby's I've ever seen. Does anyone have any advice, input, comments, or questions on this? I get the feeling this is not something we get the opportunity to see or talk about a lot. I'll have pictures a little later.

 

[lunchboxsean]

Aparently, it's called a ComVac

 

[lunchboxsean]

The Nose

 

[lunchboxsean]

The Handle Release

 

[lunchboxsean]

The Power Switch

 

[lunchboxsean]

The Bagger

 

[lunchboxsean]

With the Hood Up

 

[lunchboxsean]

The Height Adjuster

 

[lunchboxsean]

The Bagger Connection

 

[lunchboxsean]

Instead of a push pin, there is a bolt and nut

 

[lunchboxsean]

Just look at the size, and shape, of that bagger

 

[lunchboxsean]

The Brushroll

BTW, The cat did not come with the ComVac...

 

[lunchboxsean]

The Label

 

[dysondestijl]

Wow, that's gonna need some cleaning up!

 

[raycarter]

The L-shaped structure on which the power switch is located is actually a cord storage hook. There was also another Kirby Comvac model, the 1300, which was finished in the same color scheme as the Kirby Heritage 1HD, but with the 13" carpet nozzle (also non-removable), and the same style of motor housing as the Sanitronic series of the 1960s.

 

[tolivac]

That Kirby 1600 Comvac has seen a LOT of use!!The bag on it can be used as a dump bag-or with paper bags-offhand forget the type# have a pack at home for my 1600 Comvac.Its a very nice commercial vacuum-too bad they aren't built anymore.

 

[rugsucker]

You think it's rare?--

--You'r right!Never seen in person or detailed pics of bag,switch,etc.Thanks.Nice tan L.A lux tank and good upright such as this(when restored)would clean any home.

 

[dysondestijl]

In reply#4 is that the cord cut off? Also I'm guessing there should be something over the belt view thing?

 

[super-sweeper]

Wow,

A vacuum forever ever on my "To-get" List...Especially the model 1600!
Do take good care of her,And look me up if you ever decide to sell!

-Alex.

 

[bvac6]

comvac

Wow that has been around the block! Cool machine though, I have the supervac 180. The label on it says ye olfe sqeeper shop, that's not far from me here in the fort.

 

[compactelectra]

Indeed

A rare bird.  I was lucky enough to find a ComVac 1300 brand new up in Wisconsin.  Here are a few pictures.  Definitely a Kirby product using the dies from the 500 series with update bag and wheels.

 

[compactelectra]

Yours Looks

Well used.  A side shot.

 

[compactelectra]

Other Side

No emptor.

 

[compactelectra]

Close Up

Front shot.  Obviously not a successful product for Kirby from the time of the Heritage.  Non-removable front nozzle and F&G paper bag setup.

 

[lunchboxsean]

bvac: That's because I, too, am in Fort Wayne! I pulled it out of a secret honey hole where I like to venture when I'm looking for something interesting.
Yes, the cord is cut off JOY! and there is supposed to be something holding the bagger together at the top. I grabbed a generic steel one while I was at the shop(this particular place asked me not to say where I got it). I'll tell you what, she needs a ton of work, but I couldn't pass it up, so gosh darn rare. I'm honestly starting to regret it because space is a premium for me and I'll be leaving the country, permanently, soon so I have to figure out what to do with it, and fast. It sure is an interesting piece, though, almost as interesting as that Heritage-G Prototype I had a couple years ago.

 

[uksausage]

Wow

That is such a cool looking machine. Where are you moving to is there no way of taking the vacuums with you

 

[kirbymodel2c]

So...

Hi Sean, So what did you do in the end with your Heritage-G Prototype?
Last I remember was you had a vac shop clean/polish it up and they was interested in displaying it.

James)

 

[lunchboxsean]

The Heritage-G is on Display at that vac shop. The owner has really taken a fancy to it and has offered me a substantial trade for it including all of the following: a kirby sentria, a filter queen majestic, a rainbow e4, and a riccar radiance. I'm tempted, but again, moving out of the country soon (Australia, BTW) and wouldn't be able to take it with me, at least not reasonably. I checked and it would run me about $250 each to ship my Kirbys down there, so at this point I'm just looking to get them somewhere where they'll be enjoyed and taken care of. Most are spoken for or at least have some interest including my 513, the heritage-g, my DS50 and DS80 and my beautiful (my personal favorite) Tradition. I'm just torn over this ComVac now. She needs a heavy resto by someone with time and determination.

 

[kirbymodel2c]

Well...

Well Sean if you ever sell the Heritage-G Prototype I'm sure there's loads of use collectors who would love to give it a good loving home;o)

James)